Suburban Life in the Antelope Valley

Re “Suburban Dreams Hit Roadblock,” June 23, and “Class Struggle Unfolds in Antelope Valley Tracts,” June 24:

Many people moved to the Antelope Valley from down below (L.A.) with the American dream--owning a home. For myself and many others those dreams have been shattered, our homes have fallen in value big time, our relationships have been compromised severely and every day we run the risk of falling asleep driving the 14 Freeway doing 80.

Richard Petersen, Kaufman & Broad’s Antelope Valley executive, says new local jobs someday will be created--yeah, when. I’ve lived here for 4 1/2 years and although he’s right, there is no Nordstrom, there also aren’t many choices for shopping (grocery) or dining out. But then again, many of us only do that once or twice a month because we’re only home on the weekends.

BARBARA SKLAR

Lancaster

* The two-part series on the Antelope Valley was demeaning and abusive to the residents of Palmdale and Lancaster. It only served to further instill fear, hate and promote discrimination.

Most of the residents in the Antelope Valley, and Lancaster and Palmdale in particular, are responsible members of their communities. We care for our neighbors, we support neighborhood watch programs, anti-graffiti projects and family-oriented community activities. Families are active in their various religious organizations. Parents are involved in the schools and are active in their children’s after-school programs. Ongoing sports activ- ities/leagues are present in our parks. Our families go bowling, swimming, fishing, golfing and most recently attend minor league baseball games at our newly constructed stadium. None of which was portrayed in your article.

NATALIE ANGRISANI

Palmdale

* As a currently delighted Metrolink railroad commuter, I believe that the otherwise excellent June 23 article had a glaring omission. In light of the fact that some of the areas described are served by Metrolink, I was somewhat surprised and dismayed at the failure to mention this wonderful, stress-free way to spend the long hours en route.

Falling asleep at the wheel is a constant, life-threatening risk for drivers who understandably succumb to fatigue and boredom. Sleeping passengers are, however, a common sight on the morning and afternoon commute, where the most serious consequence of this indulgence is to be abruptly awakened by a conductor or a fellow passenger when you arrive at your destination.

Perhaps the “car culture” has locked people into the belief that the auto is still a traditional symbol of freedom. Paradoxically, the opposite appears to be the case.

THEODORE GINSBERG

Claremont

* Your June 24 article included the statement, “The overall crime rate in Palmdale has worsened in the last five years, particularly in the areas of larceny and assault.” Taken together with your charts showing increasing percentages of residents who are Latino, black or welfare recipients, the message was clear--more minorities and welfare recipients resulted in a higher crime rate.

Your analysis was dead wrong. The figures in your charts show that the absolute number of crimes increased by approximately 25% from 1990 to 1995. In the same period, however, the population increased by approximately 50%. This means that the crime rate (i.e., the rate of crime per 1,000 persons) was lower in 1995 than it was in 1990. Your article unfairly perpetuates stereotypes about minorities, welfare recipients and crime.

ALLEN M. KATZ

Los Angeles